Find A DoctorDust mites vs bed bugs
Around 10% of the world’s population is allergic to dust mites. And up to 90% of people with allergic lower respiratory symptoms are sensitized to dust mites. Less is known about the prevalence of bed bug allergy. But bed bugs have been undergoing a worldwide resurgence since the 1990s.
If you’ve been scratching your head (or chest) wondering if dust mites or bed bugs are causing your itch, read on to learn more about their differences and similarities.
Dust mites vs bed bugs: How can I tell them apart?
Dust mites and bed bugs have a lot in common. But there are some key differences:
Is one bigger than the other?
The differences in size between dust mites and bed bugs makes it easier to tell them apart.
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Do they both bite?
Signs of bitemarks can help you identify whether your symptoms are dust mite or bed bug related.
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Where do they live?
Dust mites and bed bugs can live in the same places. Bed bugs have recently been spreading rapidly in parts of the US.
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Timing of symptoms
Bed bug and dust mite symptoms can strike at different times of the day.
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Allergies are an overreaction of your immune system
Speak to your healthcare provider if you’ve got a rash or any other symptoms, especially if you aren’t sure what’s causing them. They’ll want a detailed account of your symptoms, how long they last and your medical history. They’ll also want to know if allergies run in your family.
Dust mite allergy can be identified by using allergy testing, such as skin prick or blood tests. Bed bug allergy may also be diagnosed with a prick test. The results need to be interpreted by your healthcare provider.
Bed bug bites can be hard to pinpoint because they have a similar appearance to mosquito and flea bites. You may be able to self-diagnose if you’ve got marks and found evidence of bed bugs. For example, discarded shell casings and reddish waste stains on your mattress. But if you’re not sure what’s caused the bite marks or have developed a skin infection you should speak to your healthcare provider. Enlarged bite marks and painful swellings are typical indicators of bed bug allergy. In some rare instances though, the bites can cause an anaphylactic response. That is, a severe systemic allergic reaction which can be life-threatening.
Dust mites vs bed bugs symptoms
Dust mite allergy symptoms
Dust mites often cause the following symptoms:
- Itchy eyes (which may feel gritty)
- Watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Dry or sore throat
- Coughing
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Skin reactions, such as rashes or eczema
More on dust mite
allergy symptoms
Hay fever or pollen allergy
- Swollen bite marks – these may appear several days afterwards
- They can be in a straight line or random
- Often darker in the middle
- Itching
Other symptoms of bed bugs may include:
- Secondary skin infections (caused by excessive scratching)
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Treatments for dust mite allergy and bed bug bites
Dust mites and bed bugs can be treated with similar medication. Antihistamines and corticosteroids can ease both dust mite allergy symptoms and bed bug bites. Usually, bed bug bites go away on their own after one or two weeks.
For dust mite allergy there are additional treatment options. Decongestants, for example, can help improve a stuffy nose, but should only be used for a short amount of time. For dust mite allergy that doesn't respond well to medication, immunotherapy could be an alternative treatment. It's a long-term option that aims to tackle the cause of your allergy with repeated tiny doses of your trigger. The goal is fewer symptoms and less need for allergy medication.
Speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about what could be the most suitable treatment for you. Some treatments may need a prescription or further assessment from an allergist. Our Find a doctor tool can help you search for one nearby.
Can bed bugs and dust mites transmit diseases?
Neither bed bugs nor dust mites are known to spread disease. While bed bug bites are insect bites they’re not usually as harmful as, for example, a mosquito bite. Mosquito bites transmit a range of viruses, including Zika and dengue.
Dust mites and bed bugs can live in the same places. Bed bugs have recently been spreading rapidly in parts of the US.
How do I remove dust mites and bedbugs from my home?
There are several ways to reduce dust mites and remove bed bugs from your home.
Dust mites
To reduce the number of dust mites in your home you can consider doing the following:
1. Get a dehumidifier: Dust mites thrive at 75% humidity and will still grow, more slowly, over 50% humidity. They cannot survive below 50% humidity. Controlling humidity levels is an incredibly important part of dust mite management.
2. Use dust-mite proof bedding: Certain brands sell mattress and pillow covers, quilts and pillows that are very effective at keeping dust mites out.
3. Run your washing machine on a hot cycle: Wash bedding regularly in hot water. Ideally at 120F (49C) but a lower temperature can still get rid of lots of bugs.
4. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner: Getting a HEPA filter for your vacuum cleaner will help trap dust mites and their waste. Thoroughly vacuum at least once a week. Robot vacuums can lessen the workload, but we recommend using one in combination with a bigger vacuum as they fill up quickly.
5. Regularly dust and wipe surfaces: Dust particles take up to half an hour to settle once disturbed. This can trigger allergy symptoms, so wear a mask when dusting. Damp cloths trap dust instead of putting it into the air, so are better than a duster.
Bed bugs
If you have bed bugs, then it’s time to call pest control or an exterminator. Like other pests, bed bugs are often treated with insecticide spray. Bed bugs are normally found in bedrooms and are usually transported to different places as you travel because they hide in the folds of luggage, overnight bags and so on.
What is allergy
immunotherapy?
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common insecticides used to control bed bugs. Pyrethrins are extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are artificial. Both can kill infestations but, if the bed bugs develop resistance, they might only work temporarily.
Other products include acid, biochemicals and insect growth regulators. Varying the chemicals used may also reduce the risk of resistance. Pest control also has non-chemical methods to remove bed bugs, for example heat treatments.
These are bed bug removal methods you can try at home:
- Drying clothing on a high heat: This might kill some of the bugs on bedding, but probably not all.
- Steaming mattresses: The temperature must be at least 130F (54C) and the steamer should not have a forceful airflow. This can cause bed bugs to disperse.
- Using bed bug traps: Place them under the legs of furniture. This helps to prevent bed bugs from climbing up chairs and beds.
Summary
Practically all homes have dust mites. It’s not known how common bed bug infestations are, but they’re spreading – and fast. You may be able to tell the difference between the pests by their size, where they live and your symptoms.
Antihistamines and corticosteroids can help with dust mite allergy and bed bug bites. Minimizing dust mite numbers and removing bed bugs from your home are good ways to avoid symptoms. Regularly washing your bedding in hot water and drying clothes with heat can help with this.